Cost of Living in Wamego, KS

Population 4,205 · Kansas · Data vintage 2023

68
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Wamego offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $188,000 — costs less than 2.3 times median household income of $82,756, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.6% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Located 35 miles west of Topeka, Wamego falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 44% higher than Topeka's $131,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 62
Rent 79

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Wamego

The median home value in Wamego is $187,700 — 38% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,032/month, 21% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $82,756/year is 11% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.6%, below the national average of 4.8%. Kansas's top state income tax rate is 5.7% and the combined sales tax is 8.6%. Overall, Wamego has a cost of living index of 68 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 32% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$187,700
38% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$138,467
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,032/mo
21% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
15.2x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.4%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$625
1 BR
$695
2 BR
$872
3 BR
$1,158
4 BR
$1,257
Owner-occupied 74.9%
Renter-occupied 25.1%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,032
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,646/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
23.4 min
13% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
7.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
77.4%
Carpooled
10.6%
Walked
2.6%
Work from home
7.9%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 5.7%
Total Sales Tax 8.6%
State rate 6.5%
Avg local rate 2.1%
Property Tax 1.4%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$82,756
11% above avg
Per Capita Income
$39,230
Unemployment Rate
1.6%
66% below avg
Poverty Rate
5.5%
Labor Force Participation
74.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 25.3%
Graduate degree 12.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 36.8
Male median age 38
Female median age 33.5

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

92%
4-Year Graduation Rate
12.1:1
Student-teacher ratio
4
Public schools
1,599
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Wamego, KS?

Wamego has a cost index of 68 (100 = national average). It is 32% below the national average.

What is average rent in Wamego, KS?

The median gross rent in Wamego is $1,032 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Wamego?

The median home value in Wamego is $187,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Wamego?

The median household income in Wamego is $82,756 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Wamego, KS?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Wamego is 8.6%. The Kansas state income tax top rate is 5.7%.

Is Wamego, KS affordable?

Yes, Wamego is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 68 — about 32% below the US national average of 100.

Wamego at a Glance

Population
4,205
Median Income
$82,756
Home Value
$187,700
Median Rent
$1,032/mo
Unemployment
1.6%
Sales Tax
8.6%
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